Despite having one of the tallest summits, Almagre does not attract much attention from visitors or even many locals.
This may be because the top of this mountain showcases a more gentle, flatter peak than you may see on mountains such as Pikes Peak or Cheyenne Mountain. The 6. The views from the top of Almagre Mountain are incredible. Not only will you get an exceptional view of Colorado Springs, but you will also get a birds-eye-view of Mt. Rosa and other mountains that you may have only seen from the ground up. Blodgett Peak is one of the most accessible mountains in Colorado Springs.
It is located in the northwest section of town. This peak sees more foot traffic than Almagre but is still a hidden gem. The lower part of the mountain, known as Blodgett Peak Open Space, boasts acres of open space, trails, and wildlife.
The main route on Blodgett is a good workout for those looking to get in shape, as it climbs roughly feet along the 3. The total 6. This is a perfect mountain for beginners or more casual climbers, and if you have a furry friend, Raspberry Mountain is also fairly popular for hikers with dogs. Physical conditioning is important, but so is the mental aspect. Weather can move in any day, any time, with any forecast. In , over twenty people were hit by lightning in Rocky Mountain National Park, resulting in two fatalities.
From the time you breach treeline below Chasm Lake to the summit, there are very few places to escape a violent storm. A good rule for Longs is to summit no later than 10 AM and the earlier the better. Even in the heart of summer, bring warm clothes and rainproof layers. Storms can form in 15 minutes from a perfectly blue sky. Rangers patrol the area between the boulder field and the Keyhole, making sure everyone is safe and offering help if needed.
Sometimes this may not be apparent to the hiker, but these rangers know what they are talking about—and they prefer everyone stays safe. On weekends, the trail up to Longs can seem more like a pilgrimage. Despite being a difficult mountain, many people still insist on giving it a go, even if they may not have the experience or fitness to perform well on the peak. Certain areas are prone to bottlenecks, such as the top of the Trough and along the Homestretch.
Consider a weekday ascent to avoid the crowds and start early. There are a few designated camp spots in the boulder field but they are tough to secure. You can contact Rocky Mountain National Park to obtain a backcountry permit and reserve a camping spot—but do so at least 30 days in advance of your climb.
Perhaps the most important lesson of all is that your are far from finished when you reach the summit of Longs Peak.
With its broad, flat, summit and expansive views, it is easy to forget your day is far from done after summiting. Descending the homestretch is perhaps the most unnerving and difficult part of the day. Returning the to Keyhole requires concentration. Make sure you are hydrated and fueled! Even after reaching the boulder field, do not let your guard down. Once you are back in the trees, its ok to relax and enjoy the hike out.
For a wealth of information including maps, trip reports, route descriptions and photos, please visit 14ers. Hiking the Narrows section of Longs Peak. James Dziezynski Made Possible by. And many hikers end up biting off more than they can chew. Early morning at the boulder field. The famous Diamond face on Longs Peak.
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